ed herself to sleep in. Her heart was still heavy and her nightwear remained on her

ars ago. Michelle had never picked up an interest in Oliver nor had she been angry with the rich billionaire who took their table. When he had offered to pay for their dinner, and he sat with them, Michelle had offered few words.

ith a grin. “You neve

which he said, “The only apology I’ll be getting

for help. When she didn’t catch his eyes, she

od up. “I came just

he looks of the ladies around. When he noticed Michelle’s discomfort, he to

ything so she settled for a ca

epeated. This time, Michelle c

she worded.

the small dimple that formed at the corner of his mouth, the line that appeared underneath his eyes, a

iar, Michelle. How d

to let the topic go. “Your friend – Beverly – she called me. So, I know you didn’t misplace the card. But…” He dug his hand into

he card into her b

ir. Ol

acted him to the lady before him yet. He knew it was more than her beauty. And it was mo

ve me that call tonight?” he asked

to my promi

t in thought and daydreaming in the office. When Robert looked into her eyes, he knew

be. After finding a knee–length black gown that she hadn’t used in months, Michelle took out Oliver’s card and contemplated

and stared at her reflection in the mirror.

th

er Sh

thought you didn’t wa

came to my office yesterd

gain. The thought that he had gone to Michelle’s office just to take her on a date ve

k up that advice, Bev. I’ll

car outside. Oliver had come to pick Mi

he managed wit

d she glanced at her outf

ef, Beverl

” she sai

ck trousers. Two white sneakers housed his foot and his hair was combed to give him a more handsome look. The scent of his cologne assaulted her nostr

k like a

her stare that she didn’t

was lost for the ri

her hand.

akable joy but over the years, it brought nothing but sadness and tears. Que

ad a favorite location in town. Just above the Chicago river was a wooden platform that gave a perfect view of the

ve the

er of a lot of things. It was the waters that took

m. Sometimes, turbu

she spoke. “Does it de

“Just like the river, being strict an

omach flipped. “Even though you’re calm and soft, I wanna see that fier

m and laughed. “No,

ee you making some major wreckage in

ze to seep into their skin. When Oliver looked at her, his eyes were dancing with passion.

es locked and passion swept them off their feet until they fell in each other’s embrace. Oliver neared her and she shut her eyes in expectation. When his lips touched hers, a cold shiver ran through her, and a warm feeling enveloped her. She surr

you,” he

nd his iris was like the moon hanging over it. She smiled.

eir hands interlocked and their eyes fixed on each other, they counted their blessing

*

he river of tears from her face. She stopped

had c

anted was an answer and all she desired was the